Negative attitudes, as expressed in humor, to aging, old age, and death were found by analysis of jokes in currently available jokebook anthologies. In particular, very negative attitudes to aging of women were found. Some ambivalence in attitude was discovered. (Author)

Notes that information presented in dialog form in a foreign language lends itself more easily to conversation than does intricate narrative prose. Using background information on Halloween, the article adapts the text to present information about the target culture as well as to humorously present facts about the North American festivity.…

During a (hypothetical) phone interview with a university researcher, an elementary principal reminisced about a lifetime of reading groups with unmemorable names, medium-paced math problems, patchworked social studies/science lessons, and totally "average" IQ and batting scores. The researcher hung up at the mention of bell-curved assembly lines…

Examines uses of humor in middle level classrooms and relationships between humor and effective teaching. Suggests that, with the incorporation of humor into the classroom to facilitate rapport building, student empowerment, creative thinking, attention, self-esteem, and socialization, middle-level teachers have the power to become the genesis for…

Focuses upon the role of humor in the cultures of young men in school and argues that humor is a technique used for the regulation of masculinities and the negotiation of sexual hierarchies within pupil cultures. Also focuses on conformist aspects of humor and recognizes the oppressive dynamics articulated in these exchanges. (GR)

Discusses humor development in children and other factors that influence children's interpretation and enjoyment of literary humor. These factors include the child's cognitive and linguistic stage of development, the object of humor, sex differences, and past experiences. (BB)

A humorous list of 10 guidelines details the obstacles and difficulties that a university educator faces in the production of an educational CD-ROM, and offers advice for those who choose to pursue multimedia development for educational purposes. (JKP)

Discusses techniques for teaching descriptive adjectives in second-language classrooms that rely on humor to help relieve the stress of learning situations. Specific examples of Spanish adjectives and humorous phrases are provided. (contains two references) (MDM)

Notes that jump rope rhymes and street chants are part of an oral tradition that links communication and play. Although rarely incorporated into the elementary curriculum, they expose children to rhyme, rhythm, humor, and poetry. Discusses opportunities for student involvement and integration of rhymes and chants across the curriculum, and…

Examines high schools teachers' humor in the classroom. Finds that high school teachers generally use less humor than college teachers, perceive college-teacher humor as more appropriate, and use it as a learning facilitator rather than a learning strategy. Presents a 20-item classification scheme of teacher humor. (SR)

Finds that a high humor orientation (HO) was associated with increased undergraduate student perceptions of learning; and that high HO students reported learning more with a high HO teacher. Examines perceived teacher humor orientation in relation to nonverbal immediacy and socio-communicative style. (SR)

Australian nursing students (n=48) identified instances when clinical teachers used humor. Students felt that humor humanized teachers, created a positive environment, made connections, and facilitated clinical learning. Awareness of personal and cultural values regarding humor was important. (SK)

How did educators become enslaved to networked computers and mesmerized by iridescent screens? The computer encourages endless acquisitions, some motivated by intellectual avarice, others by petty jealousies incited by colleagues raving about the latest "innovation." How much computer literacy is sufficient? What other literacies must…

A study examined the variability of smiling and laughing behaviors of three children (ages 7-17) with Angelman syndrome. Results found laughing and smiling increased during social situations and occurred at low levels during non-social situations. The behaviors, therefore, did not occur totally inappropriately, as has been suggested. (Contains…

Notes that humor and hope can produce an interest in reading and writing in children. Presents ideas for developing interest in language arts as well as suggested poems, picture books, and beginning chapter books. Also includes classroom suggestions for developing the four needs of beginning writers: ideas, words, structures, and spelling. (LBT)